Quadra Island’s community choir welcomes all voices to join the fun and sing into spring starting Jan. 20.
“Building on the success of our fall session and December concert, we’re putting out the call again to welcome all voices to Quadra Singers for another opportunity to sing, laugh and learn with us,” says Quadra Singers Society president Darcy Mitchell.
More than 220 people attended Quadra Singers’ December concert. Along with 13 seasonal songs sung by the choir, Angels A Shoutin’ included performances by an all-female group, a vocal quartet, group carol singing and a tribute to its long-time choir director John Montgomery.
“We had a number of past singers join us to present Thank You for the Music to John, who had been our choir director for most of the past 20 years,” Mitchell says. “It was a very special concert.”
Highlights of the concert are available on CD for $5. People can hear samples of the recording on the Quadra Singers Facebook page. Contact the choir by email (quadrasingers@gmail.com) or call 250-285-2739 or 250-285-2142 to order a copy.
Quadra Singers is founded on an island musical tradition that dates back more than three decades. Community support continues to grow, and the recently-introduced Friends of Quadra Singers program has provided an opportunity for both businesses and individuals to support choir activities, including outreach performances and the construction of much-need choral risers. The risers, constructed under the greatly-appreciated leadership of David Bain, will be available for other performing groups to use as well. “Community support also allows us to keep membership fees at very reasonable levels, so that cost is not a barrier to join the choir,” adds Mitchell.
Friends of Quadra Singers include: Accupressure Works, Amelia Neville, five Anonymous donors, Alitis Investment Counselling Inc., David and Susan Bain and Nimbus Paddles, Joyce Baker, Bruce Bjornson, Castle Printing, Coastal Community Credit Union – Quadra Community Branch, Discovery Island Realty, Evõc Beauty, Firesign Art and Design Studio and B&B, Ford Cannon Consulting Group, Fun Knits Yarn Shop, Gulf Islands Cable, Hummingbird Office and Art Supply, Island Home Security, Isle Tech Auto Service, J. Toelle Construction, Jean Mottershead, Stacey Nielsen, Peoples Drug Mart, Quadra Island Builders, Quadra Recreation Society, Quadra Station, Debbie Quigg, SouthEnd Farm Vineyards, The Music Plant, Walcan Seafood, Whiskey Point Estates, Margot Wood, Yellow Dog Trading Company.
Quadra Singers extends heartfelt thanks to a multitude of generous supporters, helpers, families and friends who assisted with the concert and, of course, choir director Linda Cannon and accompanists Joyce Baker and Annabelle Cameron.
Quadra Singers has also launched Choir in the Community program this fall, performing in non-concert venues to share the joy of singing. During the holiday season, Quadra Singers performed at: Quadra Elementary School, Yaculta Lodge, Evergreen Seniors Home, New Horizons, Ironwood Place, Campbell River Hospital Long-Term Care, Camp Homewood Community Carol Sing, North Island Survivors Healing Society benefit Storied Brunch at the Heriot Bay Inn, and the Cape Mudge United Church.
“We want to share the joy of singing with as many people as possible,” explains choir director Linda Cannon. “There’s something for everyone, and it’s a huge treat for Quadra Singers to take the fun on the road.”
The choir’s first evening of the spring season begins at 6:45 on Jan. 20 at the Quadra Community Centre.
“All singers, new and returning will be very warmly welcomed,” Mitchell says. “We’re especially seeking tenors and high sopranos.”
People can follow Quadra Singers news on Facebook or receive a copy of Notes, the Quadra Singers newsletter via email by contacting quadrasingers@gmail.com.